1998 Opel Astra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 186 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Opel Astra (167 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (149 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
